CHAPTER 6

LYRA’S POV

I sat in front of the mirror as Abigail, one of the maids worked on my hair. My heart, racing with thoughts of the evening ahead. Jake had earlier informed me I’d be formally introduced to the pack council. As if it was not overwhelming enough, he added I’d be meeting his mother.

Just yesterday, I lost everything dear to me and almost my life. And now, I’m about to be introduced as Luna - well, a rather useless one. I can't even shift into my wolf. Of what use would I be? Oh goodness!I exhaled..

“Do you like this hairstyle ma’am?” Abigail asked. Her words literally drew my wandering thoughts back to the present. She had chosen a stunning Chignon hairdo with finely woven braids with loose ripple curls framing my face.

“It’s gorgeous”, I said half heartedly, trying to sound calm.

I watched her fasten a diamond encrusted necklace around my neck. Jake had gotten it for me earlier today alongside my dress for the evening. He sure does have an eye for fashion to compliment breathtaking looks and status.

I stood up, smoothing out my dress after Abigail was done with my hair and makeup.The exquisite lace trim offered a touch of elegance, and the soft, blue fabric perfectly hugged my frame, accentuating my curves in an elegant yet modest manner. I inhaled deeply before stepping out.

The clicking sound of my shoe echoed through the hallway and the thought of the worst case scenario that could occur when I entered those doors made my stomach turn.

“Breathe Lyra, Breathe! Do not show weakness”, I muttered those words of motivation to myself even though right now, I feel like running away.

I grasped the handle of the oakwood door and pushed it open. The high pitched creaking sound of the hinges decided to alert everyone of my presence. I winced inwardly, a wave of nervousness washing over me.

Just as magnets, my eyes locked onto Jake's. His lips curled into a warm smile. The soft beam of the Chandeliers illuminated his features. His well tailored tuxedo accentuated his broad shoulders and his slightly disheveled hair added a touch of rugged charm to his elegance.

He was indeed breathtaking

He stood up and gently walked toward me- his eyes not leaving mine. I could feel Tara, my wolf leaping in excitement.

“You look stunning, Lyra,” he said, his voice low and husky. His gaze scanned me from the crown of my head to the sole of my feet.

I smiled, my cheeks feeling flushed. “Thank you,” I said barely above a whisper.

“Shall we?” Jake stretched out his hand and I interlocked mine with his. With a gentle smile, he walked me to his seat. As much as he acts and looks nonchalant, Jake was a perfect gentleman.

Around the table sat about seven high ranking individuals of the pack, their expressions unreadable, ranging from neutral to scrutinizing, as if assessing my worth in an instant. I spotted Beta Damon, Our first meeting was quite an awkward one.

“I want you all to meet Lyra,” Jake said.

A murmur rang across the room with some sneering, others smiling while some simply nodded. One by one they introduced themselves and welcomed me.

“I trust Alpha Jake has made the right choice,” Lisa, Damon’s wife, a woman obviously in her early 30’s with brown hair neatly braided into a french twist, gave me a warm smile and offered words of acknowledgement. I knew from that moment she was going to be my favorite person in the pack.

I forced a smile and dipped my head in appreciation. “Thank you everyone”. I shifted my gaze to the last person at the edge of the table, Delta Derrick, and immediately I didn't like him. He stared at me with resentment, his jaw clenched as he studied me, clearly unhappy with my presence.

I was a little surprised when I realized I wasn’t backing down from his glare, like I usually would.

Before I could dwell on it, the door opened, and a regal-looking woman entered the room. Her dark hair lined with gray strands cascaded down her back. She was tall, beautiful and imposing. I didn’t need to be told who she was.

“Mother.” Jake said standing from his seat. The pack members rose from theirs in unison and bowed their heads. I immediately followed their lead.

“You can sit.” she commanded. They all straightened, their faces relaxing into smiles. I could see where Jake got his commanding features from because she radiated poise and authority.

Her face lit up with a smile as she approached me. “You must be Lyra.”

“Ye..Yes your highness” I responded. Without hesitation, she took my hands, her touch gentle yet firm. “You are welcome to ShadowClaw dear.”

The kindness in her voice was endearing. She reminded me of my mum. “Thank you, your highness,” I managed to say.

“So let’s begin with the main agenda of today” Beta Damon’s voice cut through the moment. “Alpha Jake has found his mate, which has been a big concern to us all as we almost thought she never existed”.

A loud burst of laughter spread throughout the room. “Oh! Come off it, Damon, don’t be ridiculous” Jake said with a smirk on his lips.

“Would you be kind enough to give us a proper introduction about you, as we don't really know much about our new Luna?”.

The question I was feared would arise has now been thrown straight into my face

“Where do you come from, Lyra?” Rhea, a red hair woman in obviously her 50’s asked, curiosity laced in her tone.

I hesitated a bit. “I… I don’t know much. My parents died when I was six in a rogue attack at the Blood moon pack. The only memories I have are faint… I was raised by my human foster parents until they were attacked and murdered.” I swallowed hard.

Silence followed. I felt small under their gazes, but I refused to shrink away.

“That’s unfortunate,” Gamma Rhea said thoughtfully.

I turned to Jake's with unease setting into my mind. He gently placed his palm on mine with a slight nod.

Derrick finally let loose his thought “A Luna should know her lineage, deep rooted to the pack ways, strong…” His gaze flickered to Jake, “and capable”.

Damon frowned, “ Derrick, don't!”

Derrick responded with an ugly sneer, “What?, you want to say a weak, obviously an Omega, who cannot protect herself is going to rule our pack?”

Jake’s grip on his glass tightened, his jaw flexing. “Are you questioning my decision?” he barked, slamming his wine glass on the table.

Derrick met his gaze, unflinching. “I’m not Alpha, I was questioning her capacity to lead.” He turned to me, his expression hard. “Can you?”

The question struck like a dagger. Disdain dripped from every word he said. That it was factually true, didn't mean I didn't get hurt. How on earth did I think with a resumé like mine, I could make a perfect mate.

I bunched up my dress, fisting it with my palm trying to force the pricke of humiliation creeping up inside of me to go away.

“Enough of this madness, Derrick!. I could have your head hanging on a spike for treason!”, Tessa charged. “Apologize this minute!” She growled at him for his blatant disrespect.

“I’m sorry”. He pleaded even though I knew he wasn't.

I slowly dressed my seat backward, politely excusing myself from the room.

“Lyra..” Jake called out but Tessa held him back.

“You know nothing about me” I said to Derrick as I walked towards him. I never wanted to respond, but something in what he said made me snap.

The door slammed behind me as I walked away from the gathering. I exhaled with a sigh, leaning my head against the wall. Tears building up in my eyes. Almost immediately, the door swung open, it was Lisa.

“Hey Lyra, I'm so sorry about that,” she said. Her tone, laced with concern.

“It's fine, Lisa” I gave her a forced smile. “I’d just take a walk, I need some fresh air”.

“I could walk with you”. She insisted, holding my palms.

“I promise, I'm fine. I just need some time alone”. I gently slid my hands away from her and slowly walked away.

If only death hadn't crossed paths with my parents, I wouldn't be in this mess. I thought as I walked past the kitchen.

Amidst the clattering of plates and spoons in the sink, the sound of hushed cackles and whispers drew my attention.

“ You think the Alpha will keep her not after he snapped the last time”.

My steps faltered.

“It’s just a matter of time before she finds out who he is, you know…”

I reached for an old wooden box by the nursery bed and quietly climbed closer to the window.

“....I hear he murdered his mate, Alisha.

I gasped in shock, falling off the unstable box I climbed on.

“Who is that?”